ANKENY, Iowa—Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines! A groundbreaking for the new Karl Chevrolet Automotive Technology Center at DMACC was held today on the DMACC Ankeny Campus to celebrate the start of construction.
The renovation and expansion project for the more than 60,000-square-foot Automotive Technology Center is being supported by a $1 million gift from Carl and Penny Moyer, as well as donations from Dennis Albaugh, Willis Automotive and Bob Brown Chevrolet.
“DMACC automotive technology program graduates are highly sought-after by employers, especially given the significant need for well-trained auto technicians in the workforce,” said Jerry Burns, DMACC Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP) and Automotive Technology Chairperson and Professor. “We are committed to providing world-class automotive training at DMACC, and this renovation and expansion project will allow us to continue growing with the industry while also improving our visitor and prospective student experience.”
The updated facility will feature:
· A new, state-of-the-art vehicle showroom
· 22 additional vehicle work bays
· New classrooms and conference rooms
· Renovation of nine existing classrooms
“I can remember when DMACC was the only college around offering an automotive program that allowed interns to work at a dealership and get hands-on experience,” said Carl Moyer, owner of Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny and Stuart, Iowa. “DMACC set the standard and continues to do so. I’m proud to say we’ve hired many DMACC graduates at Karl Chevrolet over the years, and they are consistently among our best employees.
“In fact, Scott Ocken (VP of Academic Affairs at DMACC) was actually a service technician at Karl Chevrolet earlier in his career, and that makes my connection to DMACC even more meaningful,” Moyer said. “Penny and I truly believe in the College, and we want to personally ensure a strong future for the DMACC automotive program with our donation.”
The Karl Chevrolet Automotive Technology Center is slated to open in Fall 2020, and will house the DMACC Automotive Mechanics Technology program, General Motors Automotive Service Education Program (ASEP), Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Career Automotive Program (FCA CAP), GM Training Center, Auto Chassis & Power Train diploma program, Automotive Maintenance & Light Repair Technology diploma program, and Auto Engines & Tune-Up diploma program.
“The DMACC automotive technology program is consistently cited as an important resource by auto dealership owners throughout Iowa,” said Bruce Anderson, President of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association. “DMACC automotive technicians are prepared to excel in the industry, and it’s wonderful to see that tradition continue with the Karl Chevrolet Automotive Technology Center at DMACC.”
DLR Group is the project architect for the Karl Chevrolet Automotive Technology Center at DMACC, while Rochon Corporation of Iowa is the general contractor.
DMACC President Rob Denson uses a forklift to knock down a wall as part of the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Karl Chevrolet Automotive Technology Center at DMACC. The renovation and expansion of the $10-million dollar 60,000 square-foot project on the Ankeny Campus is being supported by a $1 million gift from Carl and Penny Moyer, as well as donations from Dennis Albaugh, Willis Automotive and Bob Brown Chevrolet.
(contributed article and photo, DMACC)
